20 cents

Guri Bee

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17-10-2024

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The Humble 20-Cent Piece: A Coin with a Rich History

The 20-cent piece, or "double dime" as it's sometimes known, may seem like a small and insignificant coin, but its history is surprisingly rich and its value has fluctuated significantly over time. Let's delve into the world of the 20-cent piece and explore some intriguing facts about this often-overlooked coin.

Where Did It Come From?

The 20-cent piece was first minted in 1875, initially intended to be a replacement for the silver half-dollar. However, due to the fluctuating value of silver, it quickly became impractical to produce and was discontinued in 1878. While it's commonly believed that the 20-cent piece was only minted for a few years, it actually had two separate periods of production.

In 1938, amidst the Great Depression and a need for coins with a larger copper content, the 20-cent piece was revived. This time, it was designed with a smaller, more streamlined size and featured a distinctive, larger-than-life image of George Washington. However, its lifespan was short, and production ceased in 1965.

Why Did It Fail?

The 20-cent piece was ultimately unsuccessful in its attempt to become a mainstream coin. Several factors contributed to its demise, including:

• Lack of Public Acceptance: The public simply preferred the more familiar denominations of 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents.
• Production Costs: The cost of producing the 20-cent piece was relatively high, especially with the fluctuating price of silver.
• Lack of a Practical Value: Its value wasn't easily divisible, making it less convenient for everyday transactions.

So, How Much is a 20-Cent Piece Worth Today?

The value of a 20-cent piece depends heavily on its condition and year of mintage. While most 20-cent pieces are worth their face value, a few rare and well-preserved examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Here are some examples:

• 1875-1878 20-Cent Piece: This is the rarest variety of 20-cent piece, and a well-preserved example can sell for thousands of dollars. (Source: CoinWeek)
• 1938-1965 20-Cent Piece: These coins are generally more common and worth their face value unless in exceptional condition. However, certain years and mint marks can be more desirable to collectors. (Source: The Spruce)

Beyond the Coin:

The 20-cent piece serves as a fascinating example of how economic and social forces can impact the success of a coin. It also reminds us that even the most seemingly ordinary objects can hold a rich and surprising history.

Want to Learn More?

Here are some additional resources for learning more about the 20-cent piece:

• The American Numismatic Association (ANA): https://www.money.org/
• CoinWorld: https://www.coinworld.com/
• Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC): https://www.ngccoin.com/

This article was created using information from the following GitHub sources:

• CoinWeek: https://www.coinweek.com/
• The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.